Elaine Watson, Star Nail International vice president of marketing and global education director, created our July cover’s fabric with resin and UV sealer-encapsulated nails. You can use just about anything — have your client bring in their old favorite piece of clothing.

Getting a good product application can be tough enough just using acrylics or gels, but when you start adding nail art embellishments like glass beads, crushed flowers, small rhinestones, or tiny seashells, you have to take extra care to prevent lifting. Art Club educator Mare Horak explains how she uses embellishments without compromising enhancement quality.

A nail tech for 21 years, Bonnie Rios still gets excited about the nail industry. “I am constantly intrigued at the advances that occur over 10 little digits,” she says. But what really gets her excited is the art. “The ability to make each nail into a tiny self-expression that you can change at a whim is a great outlet for my creative side. And the bonus is I get paid to do it!”

LeChat’s Nail Architecture acrylic system was created for the fashion-conscious individual. These designer color acrylic powders come in elegant packaging, and are strong and easy to apply. The Nail Architecture system offers a spectrum of colors that will enhance the elegance and appearance of any fashionable nail art design.